Chief John Okiyi Kalu, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Abia State, has urged the Labour Party (LP)-led administration in the state to desist from any form of intimidation against the opposition, stressing that such moves cannot yield any fruit.

Kalu, a former commissioner for trade and investment, went on to say that the recent threats and intimidation tactics of the LP should sound like ordinary music in the ears of Abia PDP stakeholders and members because the party has the capacity to reciprocate whatever gesture is meted out to it.

Speaking during a stakeholders meeting at the party’s secretariat in Umuahia at the weekend, Kalu urged the leaders and all members of the party to stand firm as preparations for the 2027 elections get stronger, stressing that nobody can intimidate the PDP in Abia State.

Kalu, who was also a one-time commissioner for information, urged the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Abia PDP to make it clear to all the members that the party is back, stronger and willing to take anybody as far as the 2027 elections are concerned.

He advised that all members of the PDP must ignore what he termed “noise of war”, coming from those currently in power, stressing that they are simply afraid of the capacity the PDP possesses.

Kalu, however, warned that over the years, Abia has been known for peaceful election conduct, but nobody should think that he has a monopoly of any strategy, especially what he described as “unnecessary threats”, meant to cause fear over nothing.

He stressed that because of its history and several years of experience, the PDP has already chosen the path of peace to win the 2027 elections in Abia but is also not afraid of playing the game according to how the ruling party wants it.

“I also want you to communicate to our party members not to be afraid of the noise of war because the noise of war is not war. Those sounding the noise of war are scared of the PDP. They’re not scared of any other party here in Abia because they know it’s only the PDP that can defeat them and remove them.

“They know we still have the structure that can win elections with just little effort. Aside from that, I’ve also observed that the government wants to deliberately militarise Abia State. The language the governor is using, like “write your will”, is something we’re not familiar with here, but we’re equally not intimidated by such because intimidation doesn’t move us.

“A certain deputy chairman talked about dead bodies. Just recently, the chairman of another LGA threatened this and that. Currently, threats are flying in from all angles. Well, all they’re doing is to cause fear, but we’re not buying it.”

Kalu said that as a responsible political party, Abia had elections while the PDP was in power, and nobody lost his life, and wondered why unnecessary threats should be flying around now that people who claimed to be better are now in charge.

“If those in power now want to change the narrative and try using intimidation, somebody should remind them that inasmuch as we’re a party of Okezie Ikpeazu that loves to give everyone peace no matter what they throw at him, we’re also the party of Ezenwo Nyesom Wike that’s ready to give it to anyone the way he or she likes to play.

“Therefore, if they want peace, we’ll give them peace, but if they try to intimidate us, we’ll resist them. We actually prefer peace; let me remind them of that, but nobody can intimidate the PDP because we’ll resist them.

“We’ll never introduce violence, we’ll never introduce intimidation, but anyone who thinks that intimidation will make us run away should better rethink because we’ll resist all forms of intimidation because this is our land and nobody can make us panic while standing on the soil of Abia.”

He pleaded with the SWC to take charge, as well as go to those who left, stressing, “Don’t blame them for leaving. They all thought that there’s somewhere better, but it’s clearer now,” he said.

Kalu, who was equally a commissioner for trade and investment, said that he knows the capacity within the party and that he has come to beg the SWC to exercise that capacity.

He reiterated, “However they want it, we’ll give it to them. Let the message resonate that we’re back and ready.”

Speaking further, he said, “I understand that the governor is afraid of his second tenure, but that’s not enough reason for someone to start threatening others to write their will.

“We’ve also learnt that some are saying blood will flow and all sorts of unfortunate rhetoric. So, I want to say thank you for holding strong despite the temptations and childish intimidations.

“I believe in this party, and I believe that the PDP has the ability and structures to engage and win. All we need is to get our people together.”

Meanwhile, Elder Abraham Amah, PDP chairman, thanked Chief Kalu and appreciated his coming, stressing that it has strengthened them the more to know that the party is still in the minds of most chieftains.

“PDP is a party that’s visible in most families here, polling units, wards and local governments. We thank you for everything that has happened.

“We appreciate you, and we expect this type of visit from every critical stakeholder. You’ve shown that you’re a party man with a good conscience. Thank you.”

The Abia State PDP woman leader, Mrs Fidelia Ukejianya, thanked the former commissioner for coming to show solidarity with the State Working Committee and assured him that all his advice will be thoroughly adhered to.